Portsmouth International Port was named the UK’s best port at the 2025 Wave Awards and is an important departure point for cruisers, thanks to its convenient connections to other parts of the country.
Cruise lines ranging from value-friendly operators like Ambassador Cruise Lines and Fred. Olsen to luxury names such as Crystal, Ponant and Silversea sail from here.
You’ll also find family-friendly options like Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean International, plus a range of adult-only lines like Virgin Voyages and Saga.
Where is the port located?
The address of Portsmouth International Port is Wharf Rd, Portsmouth PO2 8RU. Taxis are available outside the main terminal, and there are designated pedestrian routes to the passenger terminals.
Best hotels for under £100
Village Hotel Portsmouth
Distance to port: Around 10 minutes by car or 25 minutes by public transport.
Is parking available? Yes
Are accessible rooms available? Yes
Located just off the M27 near Portsmouth North Harbour, this modern, stylish hotel offers comfortable accommodation, including family-friendly options such as interconnecting rooms.
The large, well-equipped gym, swimming pool, sauna and steam room add to its appeal. There’s also a Pub & Grill serving a hearty breakfast and British staples throughout the day. Room service is available to order online, and the in-house Starbucks is useful if you’re heading to port early.
Travelodge Portsmouth City Centre
Distance to port: 12 minutes by public transport, 15 minutes by car or 25 minutes on foot.
Is parking available? Yes, but it’s quite limited
Are accessible rooms available? Yes, with ensuite wet rooms
This Travelodge Plus hotel sits in the heart of the city, overlooking Victoria Park, and offers a straightforward, contemporary base pre- or post-cruise.
Rooms have practical touches such as blackout curtains and Samsung Freeview TVs, while upgraded SuperRooms have extra perks, such as a Lavazza coffee machine and a choice of firm or soft hypoallergenic pillows.
A breakfast buffet is available, with family-friendly deals including £1 breakfast for children. The Bar Café serves light bites throughout the day, if you’re peckish later on.
This is also one of the most budget-friendly options in the city, with rooms available for under £40 at the time of writing.
Florence Gardens Boutique Hotel & Restaurant
Distance to port: 20 minutes by car or 40 minutes by public transport.
Is parking available? Yes, though spaces are limited
Are accessible rooms available? No
Set within an Edwardian building just 100 yards from the seafront, this boutique hotel offers a relaxed place to stay before or after a cruise. Rooms are individually decorated, with a family suite among the options.
There’s also a garden restaurant, where food is cooked on an open grill or in a wood-fired pizza oven, with kids’ menus, plus vegan and gluten-free options available. You can sit in the indoor glasshouse or in the alfresco courtyard when the weather allows.
Best hotels for under £150
The Royal Maritime Hotel
Distance to port: A seven-minute car journey, less than 20 minutes by public transport or a half-hour walk.
Is parking available? Yes
Are accessible rooms available? Yes
This historic hotel is located a short walk from Portsmouth Historic Dockyard and close to Gunwharf Quays.
When you arrive, you discover a hotel filled with maritime heritage. It was once the home of sailors, and plenty of artefacts remain. The visitors' book, which dates back to 1863 and contains signatures from Queen Victoria, King George V and Queen Elizabeth II, is the most treasured. The hotel is also a registered charity, with surplus income dedicated to veterans’ charities.
A small pool and sauna are available to guests, along with complimentary breakfast.
The Ship Leopard Hotel
Distance to port: Under 10 minutes by car or under 15 by public transport.
Is parking available? Yes, though availability is limited
Are accessible rooms available? Yes
This boutique hotel, with just 13 rooms, is housed in a Grade II-listed Georgian building dating back 200 years. It sits just across from the historic dockyard, and some rooms have sea views. A taxi rank is also conveniently located nearby.
Alongside comfortable, well-appointed accommodation, a hearty English breakfast is included in the room rate, setting you up well for a day of travel.
One key thing to note: this is an adults-only property, exclusively welcoming guests aged 21 and over.
Best hotels for under £200
Portsmouth Marriott Hotel
Distance to port: 10 minutes by car or 20 minutes by public transport.
Is parking available? Yes (with electric vehicle charging stations)
Are accessible rooms available? Yes
If you’re after a modern, polished base before your cruise, this hotel fits the bill. Beyond the characteristic Marriott look and feel, you’ll find blackout curtains ensuring you can embark on your cruise well-rested. Plus, wake-up calls are available on request (no missing the ship for you).
The Cast Iron Bar & Grill, the hotel’s steak restaurant, also offers room service, ideal if you’re tired from travelling.
If you have the energy for a bit of exploring, a wide variety of restaurants serving global cuisines are nearby, as are attractions like Spinnaker Tower and Gunwharf Quays, which are within easy reach.
The Queens Hotel
Distance to port: 15 minutes by car or 25 minutes by public transport.
Is parking available? Yes
Are accessible rooms available? Yes
This Grade II-listed hotel is known for its Edwardian elegance, with high ceilings, intricate plasterwork, ornate stone-carved balconies and decadent chandeliers. Originally called Southsea House, it was built in 1861 by celebrated architect Augustus Livesay and remains a local landmark.
Over the past few years, the hotel has undergone a refurbishment worth over £4.4 million, and now offers luxurious sea-view rooms, including options for both families and solo travellers. It also has Dukes Bar, great for a celebratory night-before-sailing martini, and Restaurant 1861, with dishes that draw on local ingredients.
Fun fact: The hotel also features in the famous ‘Accidentally Wes Anderson’ social media phenomenon.
Becketts Townhouse
Distance to port: 15 minutes by car or 30 minutes by public transport.
Is parking available? On-street parking is available
Are accessible rooms available? No
This boutique hotel has just eight rooms, each individually designed, set across two Grade II-listed Georgian townhouses. The 200-year-old buildings were carefully restored over two years, earning the developers the Portsmouth Society’s ‘Best Restoration’ award.
Rooms are well-appointed, with Simba beds, and the hosts offer a continental breakfast. You also enjoy access to an intimate bar, complete with a courtyard and log burner for the cooler months. Board games are available, alongside craft cocktails, bottled beers and premium spirits.
Best hotels for under £300
Ye Spotted Dogge
Distance to port: 15 minutes by car or 25 minutes by public transport.
Is parking available? Yes, in limited capacity
Are accessible rooms available? No
If you’re looking to push the boat out before setting sail, this historic inn in Old Portsmouth is hard to beat. Official records show it dates back to at least the 1520s, when it was first christened Le Greyhounde, but it’s likely older; English Heritage experts estimate exposed timbers in the building date to the 1450s.
Eventually, its name changed to Ye Spotted Dogge, and its fortunes took a darker turn when it became the site of the assassination of George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham, by naval lieutenant John Felton. The dagger used is still on display. The inn even got a mention in Samuel Pepys’ famous diary.
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